S9 Ep 14

This Ain’t It: Reclaiming Identity After Workplace Burnout with Lisa Hurley Pt. 1

Have you ever looked around at your job, your life, and thought, “This ain’t it”?

In this deeply personal and energizing conversation, Felicia sits down with author, activist, and Reiki Master Lisa Hurley to talk about her new book, Space to Exhale — a guide to healing from the inside out after the grind of corporate life has worn you down.

Lisa shares her own journey of identity loss, job trauma, and spiritual exhaustion — and how she found her way back to joy, softness, and sovereignty. From navigating layoffs and toxic managers to redefining self-worth outside of titles and roles, this episode is a must-listen for every Black woman trying to hold it together in systems designed to tear us down.

If you’re tired of holding your breath at work, wondering how you even got here, this conversation is your reminder to pause, breathe, and begin again — on your own terms.

In this episode, we unpack:

Why your job title is not your identity
How burnout disconnects you from your purpose
The pressure to “make your parents proud” — and at what cost
The emotional toll of constantly code-switching
What it means to love yourself through the unraveling
How to reclaim your voice, body, and energy after surviving toxic workplaces

Plus: Felicia shares how corporate gaslighting and PIPs shaped her own journey, and why she stopped smiling through the pain. And Lisa? Let’s just say she’s got a fairy wand, a tutu, and some radical truth to sprinkle on your spirit.

This is part one of a two-part series with Lisa Hurley. Make sure to catch Part 2 dropping next week.

Resources & Next Steps:

Click Here to Order Space to Exhale

Want a free copy of Lisa Hurley’s powerful new book, Space to Exhale?

We’re giving away 5 copies — but to enter, you’ll need to listen to Part 2 of this conversation (dropping June 22, 2025) for the full instructions and giveaway question. Hint: You’ll be asked to reflect on how you’re making space to breathe in your own life. First 5 thoughtful responses win. Deadline to enter is Sunday, June 29, 2025.

Career Fast-Track System – Felicia’s training session to help you create your promotion plan using the P.I.E. model

Career Consulting with Felicia – Facing challenges at work? Book a career strategy session to get personalized strategies for navigating your career.

Listener Letters – Send your questions to ask@trillmba.com.

Subscribe & Leave a Review – Love the show? Subscribe on YouTube and leave a comment to help us grow and make more awesome content for you.

Follow @TrillMBAshow – Stay updated with career tips and new episodes on LinkedIn.

Until next time, keep it trill!